Working women first won the right to 12 months unpaid maternity leave in 1979. After more than 30 years of campaigning, working parents will now get 18 weeks paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child.
 
 
Australia's Paid Parental Leave Scheme will start January 1, 2011.
 
 
What is the new paid parental leave entitlement?
From January 1, 2011, the new government Paid Parental Leave scheme will provide all eligible working parents with 18 weeks payment at the Federal Minimum Wage (currently $570 per week or $10,258 in total).
 
Eligibility
To be eligible for the government PPL scheme, you must have completed at least 330 hours work (1 day per week) for 10 months in the 13 months prior to birth. This includes casuals, contractors and self-employed workers. You must also earn less than $150,000 per year.
 
What if my employer already provides paid parental leave?
 The new government payment is IN ADDITION to any payments your employer currently provides and MUST NOT replace your existing employer-paid parental leave entitlements.
 
Will our union still bargain for better parental leave?
 Yes. Union members should continue to seek new and better entitlements from employers, including:
• A ‘top up’ to the government’s payment so parents get their full income;
• Superannuation for the period parents are on parental leave;
• Paid leave for partners;
• Longer periods of employer-provided paid parental leave;
• The right to return to permanent work part-time if a parent wishes; and
Accrual of long-service leave on paid parental leave
 
Important: It is up to parents expecting a baby to apply to the Commonwealth Family Assistance Office to receive PPL payments


For more information call the AMWU HelpDesk on 1300 732 698 or visit the government website for families and community services www.fahcsia.gov.au